Best Sushi & Japanese in Templestowe Lower Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best sushi and japanese scene in Templestowe Lower is better than most people realise. Start at Red Store, then check out Max’s. Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Templestowe Lower is part of Melbourne’s Middle East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Templestowe Lower locals actually recommend.

1. Quarter — 171 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: families

Quarter has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Marco’s — 226 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Marco’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on High Street after 6pm.

3. Ivy Bench — 323 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ivy Bench has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($9) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($10) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Otto’s — 85 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: groups

Otto’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Makes Templestowe Lower Different

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Close to Tikalara Park trails. The best sushi and japanese options here reflect Templestowe Lower’s character. If you’re living in or near Templestowe Lower, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

5. Nell’s — 119 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A local institution Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Nell’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($16) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Mill — 328 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) A quiet achiever Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: dates

Mill has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($24) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Ava — 101 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ava has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($18) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Rosa’s — 135 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Rosa’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.

9. Hazel’s — 30 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (sushi and japanese) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Hazel’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The daily soup ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Templestowe Best Sushi and Japanese — same vibe, different suburb
• Templestowe Lower Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Templestowe Lower Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Templestowe Lower Complete Guide — everything about Templestowe Lower
• Compare Suburbs — see how Templestowe Lower stacks up
• All Templestowe Lower Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best sushi and japanese options in Templestowe Lower?

Works is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Templestowe Lower good for best sushi and japanese?

Yes. Templestowe Lower has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Templestowe Lower known for?

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.

How far is Templestowe Lower from Melbourne CBD?

Templestowe Lower is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Templestowe Lower to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026